August 2025

What is your Window of Tolerance?

Understanding the Window of Tolerance: A Key to Emotional Regulation and Healing

In the world of trauma-informed care and holistic therapy, the term “Window of Tolerance” is becoming increasingly well known — and for good reason. Coined by psychiatrist Dr. Dan Siegel, this concept describes the optimal zone of stimulation where we are able to function and thrive. Within this “window,” we feel balanced, grounded, and able to respond to life’s challenges with resilience.

So, what is the Window of Tolerance?

Think of it as the emotional bandwidth in which your mind and body feel safe. When you’re within this window, your nervous system is regulated: you can think clearly, connect with others, and manage emotions without becoming overwhelmed or shutting down.

However, life’s stresses — especially unresolved trauma or long-term anxiety — can cause us to be pushed outside of that window.

Outside the Window: Hyperarousal and Hyperarousal

Hyperarousal is the “fight or flight” zone. It may feel like anxiety, panic, anger, racing thoughts, or an inability to relax.
Hypoarousal is the “freeze” zone. It might show up as feeling numb, shut down, depressed, disconnected, or fatigued.

These states are the nervous system’s survival responses, but over time they can take a toll on our wellbeing if we live there too often.

How Holistic Therapies Can Help

The good news? The Window of Tolerance is not fixed — it can expand. Practices like Bowen Therapy, Reflexology, Lymphatic Drainage, and NEPIP Reflexology can gently guide the body back into balance. They help regulate the nervous system, release held tension, and invite safety into the body.

By regularly supporting your nervous system, you build the capacity to stay within your window more often — or return to it more quickly when life gets bumpy.

Signs You’re Within Your Window

✅ You can feel your feelings without being overwhelmed
✅ You think clearly and make decisions with ease
✅ You feel safe, present, and connected to others
✅ Your body feels calm and grounded

If you’re often feeling outside your window — whether it’s stress, burnout, overwhelmed, or shutdown — therapies that work with the body can help gently bring you back in.

Ready to reconnect with your calm and grounded self? Get in touch today to explore how holistic therapies can support your emotional and nervous system health.

📍 Mepal, Cambridgeshire
📧 nickynewtonbowentherapist@gmail.com
📞 07784 034258
🌐 www.nickynewtonbowentherapist.com
📷 @nickynewtontherapies

Why the Right Bra Can Boost Your Lymphatic Health
By Nicky Newton Therapies | Working in harmony with your body – 8 August 2025

Have you ever thought about how your bra could be affecting your health—not just your posture, but your lymphatic system too?

As a lymphatic drainage therapist, I see many women wearing bras that simply don’t fit. Tight bands, digging underwires, and restricted chest movement can all contribute to discomfort—but more importantly, they can limit the natural flow of lymph.

Why Lymphatic Drainage Matters

Your lymphatic system plays a vital role in immune health, fluid balance, and toxin removal. Unlike your bloodstream, lymph doesn’t have a pump—it relies on movement, breath, and gentle pressure to circulate. Tight, restrictive clothing—particularly around the chest, back, and underarms—can act like a roadblock, especially when worn for long periods.

What a Well-Fitting Bra Should Look and Feel Like

A well-fitted bra supports without squeezing. Here’s what to look for:

✅ The band should sit firmly but comfortably around your ribcage—horizontal and not riding up.
✅ The cups should fully enclose the breast without gaping or spilling over.
✅ The straps shouldn’t dig in—most of the support should come from the band.
✅ The underwire (if used) should sit flat against your ribs, not on breast tissue.
✅ The centre front (called the gore) should rest gently against the sternum, not float.

How You’ll Feel in the Right Bra

Wearing a bra that truly fits isn’t just physically freeing—it’s emotionally empowering. You may notice:

✨ Improved posture
✨ Less shoulder/neck tension
✨ Fewer skin indentations or marks
✨ Better lymphatic flow and reduced puffiness (especially under the arms and around the chest)

Many women feel more energised, relaxed, and at ease in their bodies once they make the switch.

Final Thought

Your bra should work with your body—not against it. If you’re unsure where to start, consider getting professionally fitted. It’s a small change that can have a big impact on your comfort, health, and lymphatic wellness.

When you make the change, why not donate your nearly new or gently worn bras to a charity such as Bra Recycling – Against Breast Cancer or for bras in any condition you can drop them off at a Bravissimo and for every KG they receive they make a donation to the charity Coppafeel.

If you would like to discuss your lymphatic health or book a treatment with Nicky, please telephone 07784034258 or visit www.nickynewtonbowentherapist.com